Elopement, or wandering, is a common but concerning behavior in autistic individuals. It occurs when a person leaves a safe environment without permission or awareness of the potential dangers. For many families, elopement can be stressful and even life-threatening, as it increases the risk of accidents, getting lost, or encountering unsafe situations.
Understanding why elopement happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if it occurs can help caregivers and professionals provide better support. This blog explores the causes of elopement in autism, strategies to reduce the risk, and ways to create a safer environment for autistic individuals.
What Is Elopement in Autism?
Elopement refers to leaving a designated safe place without notifying a caregiver, teacher, or responsible adult. Unlike typical wandering, elopement in autistic individuals is often driven by specific triggers or sensory needs rather than simple curiosity.
Elopement can occur in various settings, including:
- Home: An autistic child may leave the house unnoticed.
- School: A student may run out of the classroom or school building.
- Public Places: A child or adult may suddenly run away in crowded areas like parks, malls, or streets.
Why Do Autistic Individuals Elope?
Autistic individuals may elope for different reasons, including sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or a strong desire for routine. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Seeking a Specific Interest or Location
Many autistic individuals have strong interests or attractions to specific places, objects, or activities. They may elope to access a favorite location, such as a park, a train station, or a body of water.
2. Sensory Overload or Anxiety
Crowded or noisy environments can be overwhelming for autistic individuals. If a person feels overstimulated or anxious, they may try to escape the situation by running away.
3. Difficulty Communicating Needs
Autistic individuals who struggle with verbal communication may elope as a way to express frustration, discomfort, or a need for space. Since they may not be able to ask for a break or explain their feelings, running away becomes a way to cope.
4. Desire for Independence
Some autistic individuals elope because they seek independence or control over their environment. They may not recognize the dangers of leaving an area unsupervised.
5. Impulsivity and Curiosity
Many autistic individuals experience challenges with impulse control. They may act on sudden urges without considering the consequences, leading to elopement.
6. Enjoyment of Running or Movement
Some autistic individuals enjoy the sensation of running. If they feel excited, happy, or overstimulated, they may bolt simply for the sensory experience.
The Risks of Elopement
Elopement can pose serious risks, including:
- Traffic Accidents: Running into roads or parking lots can lead to dangerous situations.
- Drowning: Autistic individuals are often drawn to water, increasing the risk of drowning if they elope near lakes, pools, or rivers.
- Exposure to Harsh Weather: Getting lost in extreme heat, cold, or storms can result in serious health concerns.
- Encounters with Strangers: Being in unfamiliar areas can make autistic individuals vulnerable to harm or exploitation.
How to Prevent Elopement in Autism
While elopement can be challenging, there are effective strategies to reduce the risk and keep autistic individuals safe.
1. Secure the Environment
- Install alarms or locks on doors and windows to prevent unnoticed exits.
- Use fencing around outdoor spaces.
- Consider GPS tracking devices for individuals who frequently elope.
2. Identify Triggers
- Keep a behavior log to track when and where elopement occurs.
- Observe whether certain environments, situations, or sensory inputs trigger elopement.
3. Teach Safety Awareness
- Use social stories or visual aids to explain dangers and safe behaviors.
- Teach the individual to respond to their name and follow basic safety rules.
4. Create a Personalized Safety Plan
- Develop a safety plan that includes emergency contacts and strategies for preventing elopement.
- Share the plan with teachers, caregivers, and family members.
5. Use ABA Therapy and Behavioral Strategies
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help identify the reasons behind elopement and teach alternative behaviors.
- Implement reinforcement strategies to encourage staying in safe areas.
6. Improve Communication Skills
- If an individual elopes due to frustration, teach alternative ways to express needs, such as using visual schedules, communication devices, or sign language.
7. Alert the Community
- Inform neighbors, teachers, and local law enforcement about the individual’s tendency to elope.
- Consider an ID bracelet or medical alert tag with emergency contact information.
8. Practice Emergency Drills
- Teach the individual what to do if they get lost, such as seeking help from a trusted adult.
- Role-play scenarios to reinforce safe behaviors.
What to Do If an Autistic Individual Elopes
Despite precautions, elopement can still occur. Knowing how to respond quickly is crucial.
1. Stay Calm and Act Fast
- Immediately check common places the individual is drawn to, such as water sources, parks, or familiar locations.
- Alert family members, teachers, or caregivers to assist in the search.
2. Contact Emergency Services
- Call 911 if the individual is missing for an extended period or is in immediate danger.
- Provide authorities with a recent photo, physical description, and known interests that may help locate them.
3. Use Tracking Devices
- If the individual wears a GPS tracker, check its location immediately.
- Contact local authorities if assistance is needed in retrieving them safely.
4. Prevent Future Incidents
- After the event, review what led to the elopement and adjust the safety plan accordingly.
- Reinforce safety skills through therapy and structured learning.
Conclusion
Elopement in autism is a significant concern, but with proactive strategies, families and caregivers can help reduce risks and keep autistic individuals safe. Understanding the reasons behind elopement, securing the environment, and implementing behavioral interventions can make a difference.
At True Progress Therapy, we specialize in supporting autistic individuals and their families through evidence-based therapies like ABA therapy. If you need guidance in addressing elopement or other behavioral challenges, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide the support and tools your family needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is elopement only common in autistic children?
No, while elopement is more common in autistic children, it can also occur in individuals with other conditions, such as ADHD or intellectual disabilities.
2. Can an autistic individual outgrow elopement?
Elopement may decrease with age, especially with proper intervention and safety training. However, some individuals continue to experience elopement tendencies into adulthood.
3. What should I do if my autistic child frequently elopes?
If elopement happens often, work with a therapist or ABA professional to identify triggers and implement effective safety strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4524545/
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences
- https://moveupaba.com
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/pragmatic-speech-delays-in-autism-260049
- http://www.levelaheadaba.com